Harley-Davidson is recalling over 82,100 Softail motorcycles due to a faulty part that could damage its rear tire and make it suddenly lose pressure.
The company said in a report filed earlier this month with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the recalled 2018-2019 FLDE, 2018-2021 FLHC, 2018-2024 FLHCS, 2018 and 2023 FLHCS ANV, 2020-2024 FXLRS, 2022-2024 FXLRST and 2022 FXRST Softail motorcycles may have a certain type of rear shock adjuster mounting tab installed that could potentially fracture.
Photo credit: Harley Davidson
The mounting tab breaking could make the adjuster start touching the rear tire and dig a groove into it that could cause the tire to suddenly lose pressure, per the recall report.
"A sudden loss of tire pressure increases the risk of a crash," the NHTSA said.
FOX Business reached out to Harley-Davidson for comment.
The company plans to send owners of the potentially-affected Softail motorcycles a letter informing them of the recall in mid-June.
Owners will be required to get their motorcycle serviced by an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer to fix the problem, according to the recall report.
They can expect that to include dealers installing "new hardware" that "includes a new bracket which limits the movement of the pre-load adjuster and also prevents the adjuster from making contact with the rear tire," the recall report said. It will be free.
The 1908 Strap Tank Harley-Davidson still had many of its original parts when sold on Jan. 28, 2023. (Mecum Auction)
Some of the 82,100 Softail motorcycles currently under recall were "previously repaired" under a separate recall and "will need to have the new remedy completed," the NHTSA noted. That recall took place in August 2023 and affected over 65,200 bikes.
Harley-Davidson said in the latest NHTSA recall notice that it has not fielded any reports of crashes or injuries arising from the issue.
"Other Softail models which utilize a different style of rear shock adjuster are not included in this recall," the company also noted in the recall report.
There is a page on Harley-Davidson’s website where motorcycle owners can check to see if their bike is subject to a recall using their Vehicle Identification Number. The VIN can typically be found on the steering head or a label affixed to the right front down tube on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, according to the webpage.
Custom Harley Davidson Motorbike. (iStock)
Globally, the company reported shipping nearly 149,000 motorcycles of various types over the course of 2024.